PLATO Network Gets Arty

Updated: 01st December 2009

Belfast City Council's European unit recently hosted a working lunch for Consuls representing countries across Europe and internationally. 

The members of the Consular Association of NI were joined nsul ... read more

Consuls Convene In Belfast

Updated: 5th November 2009

Belfast City Council's European unit recently hosted a working lunch for Consuls representing countries across Europe and internationally. 

The members of the Consular Association of NI were joined by colleagues from the British Council and OFMDFM to share ideas and explore opportunities for joint working.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Naomi Long, is pictured at City Hall with (l to r): Lord Rana, President of Consular Association of Northern Ireland; Cecilia Whiteside, Hon Consul for Portugal; Councillor William Humphrey, Chairman of Belfast City Council's Development committee; and Kamala Lakhdhir, US Consul ... read more

AMCHAM Launches Bulgarian Business Portal

Updated: October 23rd 2009

The American University in Bulgaria and Eastisoft launch portal for investment in Bulgaria InvestNet.bg – The Bulgarian Investment and Business Network

The American University in Bulgaria, in partnership with Bulgarian software company Eastisoft and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, is pleased to announce the launch of www.InvestNet.bg – an innovative networking and information exchange platform for promotion of investments and doing business in Bulgaria... read more

Consular Association Launched In Northern Ireland

The Consular Association of Northern Ireland (CA-NI) has been formally launched on May 20, 2009, at Stormont Parliament, sponsored by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr William Hay MLA. 

Invited guests included diplomats from embassies and high commissions in London, with representation in Northern Ireland, Members of the NI Legislative Assembly.

In the past, the Consular Group has been brought together in a less formal capacity, through the combined efforts and support of the Belfast City Council, British Council, European Commission and the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. 

The expanding multiculturalism, peace, stability, economic regeneration and the devolvement of government in Northern Ireland has lead to the establishment and need for Good Relations, development and engagement locally, regionally and internationally. To meet this rising demand and the growing variety of Foreign Nationals that actively enrich and participate in Northern Ireland society, the decision was made to formally establish the Consular Association of Northern Ireland, serving all Consuls of Foreign Diplomatic representation in Northern Ireland.

Lord Diljit Rana, Honorary Consul for India in Northern Ireland, was recently elected President of the newly formed Consular Association of Northern Ireland (CA-NI).

CA-NI members include both Honorary and Career Consuls. According to the most recent Foreign and Commonwealth Office Consular List in Northern Ireland, there are now 28 Foreign Countries represented, comprised of a mixture of both European Union and International Nations.

Guest speakers at the event included: Mr William Hay MLA, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr Maurice Maxwell, Head of the European Commission Office in Belfast and Lord Rana.

"Maurice Maxwell welcomed this initiative as representing a significant step in improving the ability of Consular representatives in Northern Ireland to coordinate their activities, for the mutual benefit of the countries they represent and the local community".

Lord Rana explained: “The Consular Corps in Northern Ireland now reflects a very broad range of experience, and the resources which its members can command are used to benefit many sections of the public and private sector, as well as assistance to visitors who come here on business or for pleasure.”

“Consuls assist in fostering economic, development and cultural ties between Northern Ireland and the countries they have been appointed to represent.” 

“CA-NI has been formed to provide a platform for an ongoing dialogue and exchange of experience and knowledge between Consuls and various agencies across Northern Ireland, particularly in terms of the services they are called upon to provide to people from the countries they represent and others who may need their advice and guidance. There is much that we can learn from each other about a Consul’s work and responsibilities.”

“They will also respond as they think appropriate to the needs of businesses, community groups, individuals and Diaspora, whose international outreach they may be able to assist,” he added.